Treatment for Precancerous Lesions in Mountain View

Blue Light Treatment for Acne

For acne sufferers whose skin has become resistant to ointments and medications, or for those who simply want to eliminate the daily hassles of such acne treatment regimens, blue light acne therapy has become a popular treatment option for our patients in Mountain View. Blue light therapy systems offer acne treatment that is gentle and non-invasive when used alone, or as a part of photodynamic therapy.

The BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator system by DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. gained FDA approval in 2003 for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It is a compact light source with u-shaped fluorescent tubes designed to uniformly distribute blue light onto the treatment area. BLU-U® blue light system can be used alone as an acne treatment, or with Levulan® solution as part of blue light photodynamic acne therapy.

What is Blue Light Acne Therapy?

The FDA has approved the use of high-intensity, narrow-band blue light to treat mild to moderate acne. This pain-free light is safe and uses no ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers. When blue light is used as a treatment for acne, it kills p. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria that can form within the sebaceous glands and cause break outs.

What Is the Blue Light Procedure Like?

Blue light therapy treatments are relatively quick and easy. Patients either sit or lie down during treatment, and a light source is placed close to their face for about 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients do not experience pain or discomfort during exposure to the light, and they can get back to their normal routine immediately following a blue light acne therapy session. Treatments are typically repeated once or twice weekly for several weeks until optimal results are achieved. Some patients experience an improvement of their acne for several months. However, maintenance treatments are often recommended to sustain results. The number of treatments needed to reach optimal results may vary depending on the severity of your acne.

Risks and Benefits of Blue Light Acne Treatment

In general, blue light acne treatment is a safe and non-invasive method of treating acne. Blue light therapy targets the sebaceous glands, and not the surrounding tissues, killing the bacteria that cause acne. Many patients see significant improvement in their acne after two to four weekly treatment sessions of blue light therapy.